First Annual Chalk It Up! Festival Draws Crowd to the Village of Ossining’s Market Square

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Public art returned to the heart of Downtown Ossining with the Village’s inaugural Chalk It Up! Festival held Sunday, October 19 at Market Square. Families and visitors from throughout Westchester County enjoyed a day of live music, dance, crafts and food alongside amateur and professional artists painting Ossining’s Main and Spring Street sidewalks with chalk pastel.

The Ossining Downtown Events Commitee at Village of Ossining’s First Annual Chalk It Up! Festival held recently at Market Square.

Chalk It Up! is an excellent example of a high quality, fun event in Downtown Ossining that attracts local and professional artists and people across New York State to our village.

Ossining, NY (PRWEB)October 24, 2014

Public art returned to the heart of Downtown Ossining with the Village’s inaugural Chalk It Up! Festival held Sunday, October 19 at Market Square. Families and visitors from throughout Westchester County enjoyed a day of live music, dance, crafts and food alongside amateur and professional artists painting Ossining’s Main and Spring Street sidewalks with chalk pastel.

Sponsored by the Village of Ossining through its Downtown Events Committee, Chalk It Up! featured artists, both student and professional, from Westchester and Putnam counties as well as New York City. Festival attendees were also invited to join in and create their own art with chalk, supplied by the Committee, while enjoying live music from Mike & Miriam Risko, Phil Dollard and Adam Love.

Children's illustrator and Yorktown resident Rose Mary Berlin served as the festival's featured artist and guest judge. An artist all her life, Berlin has illustrated more than forty children's books, including the Itty & Bitty series for McWitty Press. Berlin was joined by fellow judges William R. Hanauer, Mayor of the Village of Ossining, and Bradley Morrison, Director of Cultural Arts at the Ossining School District and Downtown Events Committee member.

First, second, and third place cash prizes were awarded from Chalk It Up! vendor and artist fees. Ossining High School students Zoe Supina and Melissa Twomey received a $150 cash award for first place. Second place, $100, went to Mahopac artist Samantha de Graffenried. Daniel Aviles, an Ossining High School graduate now attending art school, came in third with a $75 cash award.

“Chalk one up for the Downtown Events Committee and all of the artists and vendors who brought their artistry, foods, and goods to Market Square for Chalk It Up and brought Downtown to life last Sunday,” said Mayor Hanauer. “Bravissimi, feliciciones, muito obrigado! Great day, everyone. I can hardly wait to see what's next from the Committee.”

Chalk It Up! is the first major event sponsored by the newly formed Ossining Downtown Events Committee. Established by the Village to promote the downtown area as a lively, safe and vibrant community, the Committee is charged with developing a variety of special events and activities at Ossining’s Market Square. The Committee is also a result of a joint partnership study with the Business Council of Westchester, which focused on how to attract young professionals to the historic village.

“Chalk It Up! is an excellent example of a high quality, fun event in Downtown Ossining that attracts local and professional artists and people across New York State to our village,” said Ingrid M. Richards, Manager of Downtown and Economic Development. “The Village continues to execute against its economic development strategic objectives to provide attractive housing that will attract young professionals and empty nesters to live in our historic village. It is essential that the Ossining Downtown Events Committee provide creative ideas of how to PLAY in our community.”

About the Village of Ossining
On April 2, 1813, the Village of Ossining became the first incorporated village in Westchester County to be state-chartered. Today, Ossining is a culturally diverse, affordable place to live, rich in both history and natural beauty. Approximately 25,600 people reside in the three and one half square miles of this historic Village on the Hudson River, which boasts extensive shopping, recreational programs, educational enrichment opportunities, and excellent municipal services. Ossining’s role in New York’s heritage has been recognized by its inclusion, as one of only 14 areas, in an Urban Cultural Park System designed to attract visitors to the State. Visit http://www.villageofossining.org for more information.